Installing a custom recavator is perhaps the most important step for any enthusiast who wants to take full control of their Xiaomi device. The standard restore menu, laid down by the manufacturer, allows you to reset or update the system, but it is completely devoid of functionality for deep modification, which is why smartphone owners are looking to replace stock Recovery with a more advanced counterpart, most often TWRP.
Replacing the system partition requires care and understanding of the risks, as you interfere with low-level Android boot. Mistakes in unlocking the bootloader or selecting the wrong image file can cause the phone to stop booting. However, if you follow the algorithm carefully and prepare all the necessary tools in advance, success is guaranteed even for beginners.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at the entire journey from preparing your computer to the first download to the new Recovery menu.We will discuss the nuances of working with Fastboot, the features of unlocking through the official Xiaomi server and installation methods relevant to modern models with Snapdragon and MediaTek processors.
Preparation of tools and files for firmware
Before you start any manipulation of the bootloader, you need to assemble a complete set of software, the basis for the work will be the utility ADB and Fastboot, which allows you to transfer commands from computer to smartphone, without this toolkit, interaction with partitions of memory of the device is impossible.
You will also need drivers for your particular device. Qualcomm processors often have standard drivers, and MediaTek may need to install specific VCOM drivers. Make sure your computer has the current version of the Mi Unlock Tool installed if the bootloader is still locked.
☑️ Preparation for installation of the recaveri
The critical step is to find the right image file. The file must have the.img extension and be designed specifically for your model, not just a series of processors. Using universal assemblies often results in a sensor that is broken or no access to internal memory.
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
Xiaomi has implemented strict protection against unauthorized changes to system files, so installing a custom recovery is impossible without unlocking Bootloader.This process is officially authorized by the manufacturer, but requires linking the Mi Account account to the device and waiting for a certain period of time, which is usually from 7 to 168 hours.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader results in the complete removal of all user data from the phone’s internal memory. be sure to back up photos, contacts and documents before starting the procedure.
To activate the developer mode, you need to click on the build number several times in the About Phone menu. After that, the “Unlock the bootloader” option will appear in the advanced settings, which you need to activate by inserting the pre-installed paragraph. SIM-map and turn off Wi-Fi (using mobile Internet). Then the phone is transferred to Fastboot mode by pressing the volume button when connected USB-cable.
The unlocking process is started through the Mi Unlock Tool program on the PC. After successfully checking the account status and the waiting timer expires, the utility unlocks the device. From now on, the download icon will display an open lock, signaling the possibility of installing third-party software.
Choosing the Right Version of TWRP Recovery
Finding the right version of TWRP is a task that requires careful attention, as the market for modified firmware for Xiaomi is huge.The official website of the Team Win project contains a list of supported devices, but for many Redmi and POCO models, current builds can only be found on specialized forums such as 4PDA or XDA Developers.
There are several types of recovery builds, some of which have unencrypted access to data, which allows you to see internal memory files immediately after installation, others require you to enter a password unlock the screen or a complex formatting procedure (Format Data) to remove Android encryption.
| Type of assembly | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Official | Official version from twrp.me | Maximum stability |
| Unofficial | Assemblies from enthusiasts from forums | Often have more functions |
| OrangeFox | TWRP fork with extended functionality | For experienced users |
| PitchBlack | Dark Theme and Optimization | For AMOLED screens |
When choosing, look for the version of Android that has the recovery built for.Attempting to run a recovery built for Android 13 on an Android 11 device can result in a cyclical reboot or Failed to mount /data error.
Installation of image via Fastboot
The most reliable and quickest way to install TWRP is to use Fastboot mode, which does not require a working operating system and allows you to directly write a new image to the corresponding memory partition. First, place the downloaded twrp.img file in the folder with the ADB tools.
Connect your smartphone in fast boot mode to your computer and open the command line in the tool folder. First, check the connection by entering the command fastboot devices. If the serial number of the device appears in the list, then the drivers are installed correctly and you can continue.
fastboot flash recovery twrp.imgAfter a successful image recording, take your time to boot into the system in the usual way. On many Xiaomi devices, the stock system automatically replaces the custom Recovery back to the factory when you first boot. To avoid this, you need to immediately after you finish the firmware, press the combination of the buttons "Loudness Up + Power" and hold them until the TWRP logo appears.
What if your computer doesn’t see your phone in Fastboot?
Primary configuration and work with sections
After the first successful download to TWRP, you'll see the main menu with large buttons. The interface is fully touch-sensitive, but navigation can be difficult if the recovery doesn't have a patch for your model. The first thing the system can do is request a screen unlock password; if you don't remember it or want to install the system completely, formatting will be required.
Accessing internal memory files in storage mode (MTP) often requires unblocking encryption, this is done via the Wipe -> Format Data menu. Note that this operation deletes absolutely all data, including photos and music, so it is only performed when installed cleanly.
It is important to understand the difference between the Dalvik/ART Cache, Cache, and Data sections. Dalvik cache clearing is safe and often recommended after installing updates. The Data section contains all custom applications and settings. The System section should not be touched unless you plan to completely flash the device.
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Once you install TWRP, back up the EFS and Persist partitions immediately through the Backup menu. These sections contain unique modem and sensor calibration data, loss of which can lead to loss of the IMEI signal.
Solving problems and errors in installation
In the process of modifying Xiaomi, users often encounter Failed to boot bootloader or Orange State error.This is a normal security reaction to a modified bootloader. If the phone does not turn on, try to press the power button for 15-20 seconds for a forced reboot or enter Fastboot mode to re-run the firmware.
⚠️ Note: If after installing the recovery, the sound disappeared or your fingerprint stopped working, most likely you used an image that is not compatible with your version of the firmware (Global/China/EEA). In this case, you need to find a specific assembly for your region.
Another common problem is the inability to connect to MTP. In newer versions of Android, this is solved by installing the Disable-Dm-Verity or ForceEncrypt patch through the installation menu. ZIP-Without this step, the computer may not see the phone's internal memory, although the memory cards are still there. SD will be available.
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The main reason for most errors is inattention when choosing a firmware file. Always check the code name of the device (e.g., guacamole, davinci) before writing an image.